The coming of age of knowledge‐based development

Purpose – To introduce the 2007 annual special issue on knowledge‐based development (KBD), from the perspective of the institutionalization of KBD as a field of study and practice, followed by an outline of the contents. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is a discussion of the issues involved. Findings – The consolidation of KBD and knowledge cities as a distinctive field of R&D, as well as professional practice, becomes apparent when considering structural elements such as affluents, issues, cases, sources, events, organizations and initiatives. This consolidation seems to underlie the progression of contributions through this special issue and prior ones on the same subject. Originality/value – This special issue may contribute to raise new questions and stimulate further research into knowledge cities, regions and countries.